Born To Die Part One - The Case Chase

The SPMP

Ashton rubbed his eyes under his glasses, the car going quickly. Alexis grips the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white.

'So, what's going on with Kristoffer?' She asks after a tense silence, a grimace-like smile on her lips. Ashton groans and knocks his head against his knees. She raises an eyebrow, but focuses on the road, 'Not the right time? Did he try to get you to get back with him?'

'He's meeting us. After the meeting,' He mumbles, bringing his head back up to the headrest. I suppose I should tell you what meeting this is. Ashton and Alexis host a meeting for anybody magical every Saturday. It is called the SPMP, which stands for the Society for the Protection of Magical People. Alexis parks the car outside the Burntside Theatre, an ornate building with large rooms and columns. They rush inside, making sure nobody sees the pair. Alexis smooths her hair down backstage, and hands Ashton his little script and microphone.

'We'll talk about this later, okay?' Alexis nods, patting Ashton on the shoulder. He nodded back. Alexis brushes off her purple blazer, and whispers, 'It's showtime.'

She steps out to a medium amount of applause. Ashton takes a deep, sharp breath out, and continues after her. They sit down in their chairs, and Ashton tries not to look out into the crowd.

'Hey guys! It feels like it's been years since we've seen you,' Alexis trills in a warm tone, 'Ashton and I have a few bits of news, then we'll come around and have a chat.'

'Okay, we have a bit of an update on how Yen Yamaguchi is doing,' Ashton speaks, his voice trembling with nervous anticipation. He looks into the crowd, and lo and behold, he first person he saw, was Kristoffer himself. He begins to feel cold and even more anxious. His hands tremble, making it impossible for him to read the words. He takes a deep breath, feeling all the eyes on him. He plasters a smile on his face, 'I know she's a dear member for us, and she's healing well in the hospital. Cheri gave some flowers to her from us.'

Alexis continues with the news, and Ashton locks eyes with Kristoffer. Kristoffer's heart beats out of his chest. Seeing his face made his heart fly away like it used to. Though a feeling of deep, heavy guilt sits in the pit of his stomach, bringing him back down to Earth like a bag of rocks attached to his feet. Knowing he had thrown away love for simple hatred made him feel like an Icarus who had flown to close to the sun of greed. He chooses to focus on any announcements.

'Now, I know we started on a lighter note, but I think we should mention that Stella Sutharastan has died,' Alexis sighs. Kristoffer feels his brain turn to ice. He hadn't known a thing about her, and didn't know she was a member. The girl next to him gasps and covers her mouth. A murmur of chatter echoes around the room, creating an unsettling evironment. Alexis settles the crowd with a conductor-like hand movement.

'Settle, settle,' Alexis says, receiving an instant silence, 'We can talk in a minute. All we know is that she was too young to die and she was a target of the AMI since she was about six. It took them ten years, that's all we know.'

Ashton looks at his watch quickly. 10:59 am. He takes a breath that trembles in his throat, 'Yes, that is all we know. You can go around now and talk, we'll come out soon.'

Everybody stands up to meet their friends, acquaintances, and families. Ashton and Alexis disappear backstage. Kristoffer navigates his way toward the area he logically assumes would lead out from the backstage area to the main seating. He waits nervously by the curtain. Suddenly, a long, bony hand grabs his shoulder and pulls him behind. He finds himself in a well lit room, covered in posters of old Shakespeare books and mirrors. Standing in front of him is Ashton and Alexis, looking rather stern.

'Alexis... Ashton...' Kristoffer whispers, a smile tickling the corners of his mouth. He tries to takes Ashton's hand, but Ashton swiftly bats it away, disgust on his face.

'Don't even try Kristoffer,' He sighs. Alexis crosses her arms over her chest, a sadness in her eyes. He continues, 'What do you need? I have limited time and people to meet.'

'I explained over text. I need to stay with you,' He says desperately, 'C'mon, Ash. I need help with the AMI.'

'Sorry, the AMI is involved in this?' Alexis suddenly says. She takes a sharp breathy laugh. She pulls the ends of her hair, leaning her head back, 'No, this is not okay, not one bit.'

'Come on, give him a chance,' Ashton hisses in her ear. She huffs and pulls a toddler tantrum pose. Ashton clears his throat and closes his eyes, 'You... can stay with us. At our house.'

Alexis looks at Ashton, eyes and mouth wide open, arms flailing madly in poses of disbelief. He holds a finger to her face, stopping her. She returns to her high crossed arms look. Kristoffer almost falls to his knees in fake thankfulness, 'Oh my god, thank you so much! I-'

'On one condition,' Ashton swiftly cuts him off. Kristoffer nods, 'If you help us. Help disguise us from the AMI. And in return, we can give you a house. And friends. Capiche?'

Kristoffer nods vigorously. Alexis shoves past him, a livid expression on her face. Ashton shrugs in a way that says "she's like that".

'Don't try to make any romantic advances on me, okay?' Ashton says, his nose curling slightly, 'Or you're out.'

'Understood,' Kristoffer smiles. Ashton keeps a perfectly straight face. He walks past him, leaving after Alexis. Kristoffer follows after, adjusting the collar of his shirt. He roves around the hall, looking for somebody to talk to. He walks out further, and feels a small, cold hand tap him on the shoulder. He spins around to see the girl who was sat next to him. She has faded dyed red hair, pale hazel eyes and pale skin. She is wearing a green hoodie, a long white skirt and rather thick soled boots which didn't make up for her short height.

'Are you new, sir?' She asks in her French accent.

'Yes, I am. Nice to meet you,' Kristoffer stutters. She holds out her hand.

'Lovely to meet you, I am Cheri Eelwhile,' She beams, 'Yours?'

'Kristoffer Piercebridge,' He chimes back, taking her hand. Her eyes turn full white and her hair floats above her hair. He feels his hand is almost frozen to her.

'20 years old. Old friend of Ms. Florakis and Mr. Rockwell. Still desperately in love,' She murmurs, an aura of purple light around her. Kristoffer's legs quake in terror, 'Guilty feelings.'

Her eyes return to normal. She begins to laugh manically, 'You should've seen that look on your face! I am a mind reader, Mr. Piercebridge. I can only see the thoughts in the front of your head and basic facts, since I'm not good yet.'

Kristoffer chuckles nervously, wondering if she knows about the AMI. She smooths her hair down, 'See you around, Mr. Piercebridge.'

With that, she skips off. Kristoffer stands, his head aching.